ASTERISK first established in Tokyo, Japan, in 1999, as a creative consultancy and agency that specialized in all things illustration. Their clientele spans from advertising, publication, and of recent years, a heavy demand within the digital gaming and animation sector. Their design philosophy is based on the concept of collaboration with the client; by creating bespoke and innovative solutions for each project. As the world of manga, anime and gaming advances fiercely in this fast-paced, competitive and global industry, in 2014, ASTERISK Academy was formed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The academy's vision was founded on the concept of hands-on vocational education – to equip individuals with practical and relevant industry skills. During training, individuals will be provided with necessary technical and soft skills, while working on real-time projects in a professional work environment. With graduates successfully establishing themselves in various sectors in the industry, ASTERISK Academy is proud to stand as a premier Centre of Japanese Illustration Education.